SIG Sauer P6
SIG Sauer GmbH · Pistol · Discontinued · 1978
Also known as: SIG Sauer P225, Pistole 6, P6
Overview
The SIG Sauer P6 is a compact, single-stack 9x19mm semi-automatic pistol, the police designation of the SIG Sauer P225. Developed to meet the West German police pistol standard of the mid-1970s, it uses a short-recoil, locked-breech action with a traditional double-action/single-action trigger and a decocking lever in place of a manual safety. A distinctive spur hammer with a notch that bends or breaks on impact serves as a visible drop indicator. Large numbers of P6 pistols were issued to West German police and border guard units, and surplus examples later became popular on the civilian market.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 740 g (26.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 825 g (29.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 180 mm (7.09") |
| Barrel Length | 98 mm (3.86") |
| Height | 131 mm (5.16") |
| Width | 34 mm (1.34") |
| Sight Radius | 147 mm (5.79") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 340 m/s (1115 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 430 J (317 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Alloy |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Decocking Lever, Firing Pin Safety, Automatic Firing Pin Block
- Features: Double Action Single Action, Spur Hammer Drop Indicator, Fixed Sights, Single Stack Magazine
Base model
Service history
Operators
- West German Police · adopted 1978 · as P6
- German Federal Border Guard · adopted 1978 · as P6
Production
Production years: 1978-2008
Manufactured by J.P. Sauer & Sohn in Eckernförde, Germany; large quantities issued to German police forces and later sold as surplus.
Origin
Country of origin: Germany
Designer: SIG / J.P. Sauer & Sohn
Discontinued: 2008
Notes
The P6 differs from the commercial P225 chiefly in its heavier double-action mainspring and the spur 'drop indicator' hammer mandated by the German police specification. Many were sold as police surplus after retirement.
Background
The P6's spur hammer carries a deliberately weakened notch: West German police regulations required a visible indicator that would deform if the pistol were dropped, allowing armorers to identify weapons that may have been damaged or discharged accidentally.